Cooper and Court, two great NZ gliding pioneers pass on
17th June 2010
JOHN DAVID COOPER (77) died unexpectedly in Auckland on Wednesday, June 15.
Older members of Gliding New Zealand, those active in the early 60’s, will well remember John. He was a leading force in the exploration of the Kaimai wave and led a team of Ross Reid, Tony Fowke, Noel Johnson, John Roake and others in opening up the area to high altitude soaring.
John was a very competitive glider pilot, and competed in the first ever contest in New Zealand at Masterton in 1962, sharing flying John Roake’s Ka6.
John was awarded New Zealand’s Diamond for Height Number three, Diamond for Distance Number three and Diamond for Goal also number three.
John first entered the world of aviation via the RNZAF as a navigator, but later transferred to Air New Zealand where he rose to being a 747 captain, a position he retained until forced to retire at age 60. He subsequently flew cargo carrying aircraft for a variety of freight forwarding companies.
His funeral is being held at the All Saints Chapel, 51 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland at 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22.
RALPH COURT
I would also like to pay tribute to Ralph Court, Gliding New Zealand’s first president who recently died, also in Auckland. Ralph and his gliding partner, Gordon Hookings, opened up gliding in New Zealand in the early 50’s after a long battle with the CAA of the day to allow the sport to soar New Zealand’s skies. Ralph held New Zealand Diamond for Height Number four and Gold badge Number two. Ralph also flew for the RNZAF during World II and had an immense love for our sport. A real gentleman.